{"id":2742,"date":"2024-11-21T00:05:52","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T00:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=2742"},"modified":"2024-11-21T00:05:52","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T00:05:52","slug":"sog-camp-axe-review-the-ideal-stainless-steel-camping-tool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=2742","title":{"rendered":"SOG Camp Axe Review \u2014 The Ideal Stainless Steel Camping Tool?"},"content":{"rendered":"


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By Randall Chaney<\/a><\/p>\n

In today\u2019s article, Randall Chaney reviews the SOG Camp Axe based on his time in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Using a survival tool in the wake of a disaster is possibly the best test anyone could devise. How did the axe perform? SOG Specialty Knives & Tools provided the axe used in this review.<\/em><\/p>\n

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The SOG Camp Axe, shown here with its blade sheath, is a dependable companion for both work and survival.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

W<\/span>hen you are in the forecast cone of a Category 5 hurricane, you get very nervous. Preparation can alleviate a bit of the stress. Gathering supplies to either \u201cbug out or ride it out\u201d can give you solace before a decision has to be made. For Hurricane Milton, a SOG Camp Axe made it into my emergency kit. The Camp Axe arrived the week before the hurricane. I told my boss I hoped I would not have to use it, but I did.<\/p>\n

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The official forecast track for Hurricane Milton showed a trajectory toward densely populated areas. The author prepared for the worst, ensuring the SOG Camp Axe was in his emergency kit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SOG Knives<\/h2>\n

SOG Specialty Knives and Tools was founded in 1986 by former aerospace tool and die maker Spenser Frazer. The fledgling company\u2019s initial focus was to construct a reproduction of the storied MACV-SOG fighting knife from the Vietnam era. This led to a nearly 40-year journey to build knives and tools aimed toward the military, first responders, outdoorsmen, and everyday carry enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

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The SOG Camp Axe rests on Hurricane Milton storm debris. The author found its size easy to use during hurricane cleanup.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition to knives, SOG makes multi-tools, machetes, flashlights and axes. Over the years, I have purchased at least a half dozen of their products, including fixed and folding knives, a tomahawk, and a multi-tool. I have been pleased with each of their offerings and use them to this day. I unpackaged the Camp Axe and nodded approval of its qualities.<\/p>\n

Camp Axe Details<\/h2>\n

While called an axe, the Camp Axe is a hatchet by function and is made to be wielded with one hand. True axes are by nature two-handed chopping implements. And tomahawks are fighting axes or hatchets. On handling the Camp Axe, I liked its potential defensive capabilities as well as its utility. It maneuvers quickly in the hand for strikes and slashes. The highly curved beard or underside of the head lends well to hooking motions.<\/p>\n

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Crafted from 2Cr13 stainless steel, the SOG Camp Axe proved both durable and reliable. The author tested it thoroughly in demanding conditions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The SOG Camp Axe head is forged from 2Cr13 stainless steel, which has good corrosion resistance and is known as a tough steel. Its low carbon content means it does not hold the finest edge, but it is easy to resharpen. Hatchets are more objects of brute force rather than laser precision, so the 2\u00bd\u201d edge or bit has a slightly convex, or Appleseed, grind for strength.<\/p>\n

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Featuring a durable glass-reinforced nylon handle, the SOG Camp Axe strikes a balance between grip and strength.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The head of the Camp Axe is bolted to the oval glass-reinforced nylon (GRN) haft. A steel ferrule or collar sits below the bolts for additional stability. The handle is straight with aggressive grooves near the butt. It gave me a good grip while hacking or hammering. The GRN is rigid with no tendency to bend whatsoever. The oval shape helps to keep the axe indexed while using either end of the head.<\/p>\n

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The small hammer on the SOG Camp Axe\u2019s poll is a unique and practical feature. The author used it effectively to repair a weathered pergola before the storm hit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the poll or opposite end of the head, SOG gave us a small hammer, which is smooth-faced. I tried it out as I shored up my old wooden pergola on the deck before the hurricane\u2019s arrival. The pergola is almost 20 years old, so it had loosened in places and some of the sixteen-penny nails had backed out. I used the hatchet head to effectively whack them back in place. The small size of the Camp Axe made it maneuverable around the boards.<\/p>\n

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With precise strikes, the author hammers a loose nail into place using the SOG Camp Axe. The smooth-faced hammer proved invaluable for quick fixes before the hurricane.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a tip of the helmet to safety, I rigged up a paracord lanyard for the haft of the axe. Being on a ladder with a sharp tool means being careful. The lanyard kept the Camp Axe from straying from my hand and allowed the axe to dangle if I needed both hands to set the boards or nails in place. I made sure to leave the sheath on when hammering!<\/p>\n

SOG Camp Axe Specifications<\/h3>\n